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Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 12th Dec, '12, 19:39
by Spike
One of my clients has a close relative with terminal cancer and has asked me if I can recommend a book that might give advice on how to cope with the death of a loved one, especially when you know it's going to happen soon. I've never read such a book but know there are some out there. Has anyone read a book like this or can make a recommendation?

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 12th Dec, '12, 20:03
by Tas
I found one that was excellent regarding cancer survivors, very straight talking and not patronising, talks about anger in a way that found very helpful for empathy. But not sure it's quite the right thing here. Another not the right thing here maybe, but first thought was The Art of Happiness, it's a read once only sort of book, but the concepts around acceptance are quite useful tools for dealing with a number of things. Would suggest you scan over first before suggesting though.

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 12th Dec, '12, 23:58
by expat yorkshire
When did you last see your father ?
Blake morrison

Wonderful book ..positive and uplifting

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 13th Dec, '12, 00:27
by Lili Von Shtupp
Spike, you can look at books by Stephen Levine and Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, probably the most renowned experts on death and dying. There are lots of titles by both to browse.

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 13th Dec, '12, 07:11
by Joseph27
I got a lot of comfort once from CS Lewis' 'A Grief Observed'.... it was a journey out of the initial mayhem of his wife's death.

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 13th Dec, '12, 09:25
by Spike
Thanks all. I'll take a look at those and recommend them to my client.

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 16th Dec, '12, 09:55
by Fat Bob
I personally wouldn't turn to a book. Death is a natural thing and people should rejoice in their loved ones life. Unfortunately not everyone has the self-belief to help them through such a period, but if one can draw that strength it shows great character and should be what the deceased wanted.

Tears and sadness will be involved, but don't let it take over your life for more than is required.

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 26th Dec, '12, 17:35
by Dinosaur
Agree with Fat Bob - good post.

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 29th Dec, '12, 10:20
by Duck
The book I was recommended is 'Graceful endings' by Linda Popov, one of the founders of the Virtues Project. She lost her brother John to cancer and was looking after him for about a year.

http://gracefulendings.net

Re: Dealing with The Death of a Family Member

Posted: 29th Dec, '12, 12:24
by Bender
Agree with FB 100%.